Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."